Marinestation der Nordsee

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Marinestation der Nordsee, the North Sea Naval Station, was the main base of the German Imperial Navy in Wilhelmshaven. It grew from the navy of the North German Confederation. The land was bought from the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg through the Jade Treaty of 1853, arranged by Prince Adalbert of Prussia. The station opened on May 19, 1870, and became an Imperial station when the German Empire was proclaimed in 1871. There was also Marinestation der Ostsee in Kiel and five other loosely established foreign stations. Naval stations were the highest land-based commands of the Imperial German Navy. The station chief was usually an admiral who commanded the port’s military police and fortifications, ran the sailors and shipyard divisions, and led the ship reserve divisions. He also controlled all warships in his zone that did not have a permanent commander, such as test ships. Administrative units included Garrison Station services and funds, building authorities, and offices for clothing, food, and laundries.